Touchscreen Phones Worse for the Environment

Posted by Tanya Hall

June 4, 2009

I don’t mean to make you feel bad if you’re reading this on your iPhone, LG Arena, SE Xperia, Samsung Omnia, Nokia 5800 or yet another phone that doesn’t get caught in loose pocket threads thanks to a smooth touchscreen surface, but unfortunately your phone impacts more negatively on the environment than the standard candy bar phones we all used to flash around.

This finding comes as part of Sony Ericsson’s research into its new GreenHeart programme, which is designed to make the future SE handset range more environmentally friendly.
touchscreen1

A green entry-level phone has a lifecycle of around 18kg of CO2 emissions. A similarly green smartphone can only get down to 25/30kgs in its lifetime.

Because of a heavier reliance on glass, touchscreen handsets can’t make use of recycled plastics as handsets with smaller screens can.

Touchscreen phones also work on the popularity of all of the features and apps you get with your lack of buttons, which uses up more battery life than a phone that can call, text and… well call and text.

On the bright side, phone manufacturers including Nokia and Samsung, seem to be getting savvy with their eco-credentials and green is most definitely part of everyone’s 2009 agenda. Let’s see if the eco-race will push handsets to have less of an environmental impact whilst still preserving our style.

Gadget Gift Ideas

If you like what you’re reading then learn more about joining our FREE newsletter here. Lucky readers will win some fantastic gadget prizes!

Also, check out our recession busting gadgety money saving ideas.